The Little Rock Zoo has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my father bringing me to the Zoo, fostering an ever-growing interest and respect for animals. I continued to come to the Zoo throughout the rest of my life, and this summer I am having the experience of a lifetime, working with the animals I have enjoyed watching all these years.
Helping out in the Birds and Hoofstock Departments, I get to work with all kinds of animals. They range from the colorful lorikeets at Lorikeet Landing to the various birds at the Tropical Bird House to the maned wolves and anteaters. With so many animals to care for and so many things to learn, this summer is turning out to be busy and wonderful.
So far, one of the things I enjoy most is seeing the relationship between the keepers and their animals. While many of our animals cannot be petted and cuddled like your dog (either we’re too scary or they are), it is impossible not to see the pure love that the keepers have for the animals. The animal and its well-being always come first, no matter what. Even on their days off, keepers will call each other and see how their animals are doing. This love translates in many ways; in the keepers’ diligence in providing care for their animals and in their enthusiasm with sharing this love with the rest of the public.
In a world where we are quickly losing many of the animals that visitors come to the Zoo to see, it is great to see that there are people who are working to help these animals in whatever way they can. Zoos across the country are turning their focus towards conservation and educating the public about what they can do to help save these animals and our planet. I am proud to play a part (albeit, a small one) in this effort and I hope that my love for our Zoo and animals everywhere will help inspire others to pitch in as well.
-Dana Callaway
Intern Birds and Hoofstock
